Securing support after a life-changing naval injury

Elliott joined the Royal Navy when he was 21, the start of a promising future for him. However, in 2020, while performing a routine task aboard the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, his life was changed forever.

He was securing a helicopter to the deck when an uncovered aerial pierced his eye.

That injury led to the removal of Elliott’s left eye but, as happens with many service personnel, he returned to employment quickly, determined to “get on with it”. But he was living with serious physical pain and a significant deterioration in his mental health.

He found himself struggling alone, with his naval career over. That’s when he turned to expert solicitors at CLA member firm Slater & Gordon.

Waiting times within the NHS left him in agony and so he needed access to private treatment. That didn’t just involve essential surgery. Elliott also received trauma‑focused therapy to help him process the psychological impact of losing both his eye and his naval career.

With Slater & Gordon’s specialist help, Elliott secured compensation for his injuries, pain and loss of career which enabled him to begin rebuilding his life beyond the Navy – knowing he had the financial stability, medical care and emotional support he needed to move forward.

Elliott’s view is that being properly listened to was an important turning point in his life, saying: “All of a sudden, it was like someone understood. I wasn’t expected to just crack on anymore - help had finally arrived.”

And from there, he was able to help others as well. He now speaks openly about the need for better support for injured service personnel, using his experience to advocate for change to benefit others.